Catherine & Luke 

Our story began in the fall of 2018. We were already 30 years old and, given my polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), knew we may have trouble conceiving. After about six months of trying without luck, we were eager to find specialized fertility care. 

Over our fertility journey, recurrent pregnancy loss and delivery trauma have been unimaginably difficult. We couldn’t help but envy our friends and family who seemingly effortlessly conceived, delivered their children, and returned from the hospital with a baby in their arms instead of only sonograms and memories. Each of their kids’ birthdays was a painful reminder that our home remained empty, and our hearts were crushed for yet another year. 

Fast forward five years, three fertility clinics, endless fertility tests, high risk pregnancies, four miscarriages, and two rounds of IVF, until we finally found the care and treatment plan at Shady Grove Fertility Carolinas that made our dreams come true.

Finding fertility care at SGF Carolinas

I was already familiar with Dr. Mersereau and her great care team. When I heard she had launched a SGF clinic here in the Raleigh area, I knew I had to follow. I felt immediate warmth, connection, and individual attention from Dr. M, my wonderful nurse, Wendy, and my physician assistant, Ellie, who saw me frequently for monitoring ultrasounds. I felt confident our care was being personalized to get the best possible results. 

Welcoming our rainbow baby girl

We had our egg retrieval in April 2023, and our precious embryo was transferred the following month. By June, we were confirmed pregnant with our rainbow baby girl. After nine nervous months, we finally made it to full term. In early 2024, we welcomed our sweet, vivacious daughter to the world!

Advice for other patients

Mental health care is an extremely important part of the fertility journey, in my opinion. Infertility can often involve a marathon of tests, treatments, loss, and emotional ups and downs. I recommend getting involved in Postpartum Support International’s free virtual support groups and to use their directory of providers to find a certified therapist. Finding a therapist who specializes in maternal mental wellness has changed my life and made the fertility treatments and loss less lonely and isolated.

Seen, heard, and well cared for

The fertility journey can be long and heartbreaking. But as you progress, you have more history and information to finetune your treatment plan. Dr. Mersereau and the team at SGF made us feel seen, heard, and well cared for. They have been rooting for our little family since before our daughter was an embryo! It makes all the difference when you feel genuinely supported by your care team, one you can trust to have your family’s best interest and plan for success at heart. 

We are enormously grateful to Dr. Mersereau and SGF Carolinas for helping us hold on to hope and for making our dreams finally come true. Now, it is an honor to bring my Shady baby back to visit Dr. Mersereau and the fabulous care team at the beautiful new office! Dr. M and my daughter are already the best of friends.